What should I do to cope with my emphysema

Condition analysis:
Emphysema is a type of COPD involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. As a result, your body does not get the oxygen it needs. Emphysema makes it hard to catch your breath. You may also have a chronic cough and have trouble breathing during exercise.

The most common cause is cigarette smoking. If you smoke, quitting can help prevent you from getting the disease. If you already have emphysema, not smoking might keep it from getting worse. Treatment is based on whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Treatments include inhalers, oxygen, medications and sometimes surgery to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Instructions:
Chest X-Ray
A chest x-ray is a radiographic examination of the lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm. A chest x-ray can be performed in a radiology lab, doctor's office or at your bedside if you are in the hospital. Your doctor will perform an initial chest x-ray to help him reach a diagnosis of emphysema, and then intermittently throughout your treatment to monitor your progress.

Pulmonary Function Tests
A chest x-ray is a radiographic examination of the lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm. A chest x-ray can be performed in a radiology lab, doctor's office or at your bedside if you are in the hospital. Your doctor will perform an initial chest x-ray to help him reach a diagnosis of emphysema, and then intermittently throughout your treatment to monitor your progress.

Arterial Blood Gases
Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are performed by taking blood from an artery. This test measures the level of acidity in the blood and the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This test helps your doctor to determine how well your lungs provide adequate oxygen to your body and how well they remove carbon dioxide.

Complete Blood Count
The complete blood count (CBC) is a screening test done on your blood which is used to diagnose and manage a variety of different diseases, including emphysema. A CBC is usually done during your initial physical examination then periodically to monitor your condition. Besides being able to detect abnormalities in your blood cells, a CBC also tells your doctor if you have an infection that could be associated with emphysema.